IDF Saving Syrian Lives

An inside look into the Israeli field hospital that is saving Syrian lives.

Regardless of the tense relations between Israel and Syria, who are still officially at war, IDF soldiers have continued to apply a core Jewish value: “Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.”

On February 16, 2013, seven wounded civilians from Syria approached Israel’s border in urgent need of help. Colonel Tariff Bader, a Druze officer, heads an Israeli field hospital near the border. He began his IDF service in 1993, and after completing his medical studies, rose the IDF’s ranks to become a senior medical officer in the IDF’s Northern Command.

“They arrived on Shabbat and were treated by the same people who treat IDF soldiers in the Golan Heights,” Col. Bader explained. “The ethical code of the IDF Medical Corps clearly states that soldiers must assist anyone who is sick or wounded – whether they are associated with the enemy or not.” The incident on the border began the IDF’s extraordinary mission to assist Syrian civilians in need.

The victims of the civil war in Syria

Recently, the Israeli-Syrian border has become a focal point of tension due to the ongoing Syrian rebellion against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The main victims of this internal conflict are Syrian civilians. According to the United Nations, at least 100,000 Syrians have been killed in the fighting over the past three years.

“When we realized we would be receiving many patients, we decided to build a field hospital so that we could treat people with serious injuries who require immediate care,” Col. Bader said, explaining that the victims were so badly injured that they would not have survived the trip to a civilian hospital.

“There has not been a single case in which an injured Syrian was denied medical treatment by the IDF or by a civilian hospital,” said Col. Bader. “I’m sure of that.”

A daily challenge to save lives

The Israeli hospital facility, which continues to operate today, includes surgery, orthopedics and radiology divisions. On a regular basis, nurses and orderlies lend a hand to IDF doctors at the border. Cases that call for serious operations require cooperation between the IDF Medical Corps and Israeli civilian medical services.

The field hospital is located very close to the border, making it a potential target for Syrians looking to exploit the conflict to attack Israel.

In the past, mortar fire from Syria has wounded IDF soldiers in Israel. Despite the dangers of their work, soldiers risk their lives to treat Syrian victims. In many cases, medical forces must treat Syrian patients without any knowledge of their medical histories or health conditions. Despite the absence of cooperation between Israeli and Syrian medical services, some patients arrive with notes from Syrian doctors describing recommended care. These notes, written in Arabic or English, have become the only form of communication between doctors from the two countries.

While discussing the relationship between Israeli soldiers and Syrian victims, Col. Bader explained that their connection is quickly strengthening. “The Syrian people trust us now,” he said. “During the first month or so, they were a little hesitant to come to Israel. Today that is no longer the case.”

Once the patients return to Syria, any evidence of their presence in Israel can put their lives in grave danger. In order to keep the civilians safe, the IDF takes painstaking measures to remove any indication that they received care in Israel.

Committed to humanitarian aid

Soldiers who serve in the hospital are deeply committed to their humanitarian work. As an expression of respect for the hospital, people all over the world have sent gifts to members of the medical team. Soldiers have received everything from clothing, gift cards and radios from people abroad, who have also sent gifts intended for Syrian patients.

A large number of the patients suffer extreme trauma as a result of the conflict. After seeing death and destruction all around them, they carry difficult memories that are just as painful as their physical wounds. To ease the psychological trauma of children, clowns visit the hospital on a regular basis, giving the young patients a chance to smile and laugh.

“I myself am a father,” Col. Bader said. “The injuries of children leave the greatest impact on me. I remember a girl whose femur was completely shattered. Had our forces not been there to help her, she would have died or been disabled for the rest of her life. I am honored to do this work, both as a physician and a citizen of Israel. Some patients who arrived unconscious were shocked to find themselves in Israel when they woke up. Fortunately, other Syrians in the hospital helped us calm them down.”

This is not Col. Bader’s first time representing a major humanitarian effort as an IDF soldier. He was also a part of the IDF delegation to Haiti in 2010. Whenever he speaks publicly, he is clearly moved by his experiences. “I feel exactly the same about the lives we save on our own border,” he concluded. “It fills me with pride to accomplish this mission.”

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 10

(6)
Ester,
October 31, 2014 1:04 AM

So Moving

So humbled to read and know that Israelis Medics are really caring for all people giving them chance in life to survive.So humbled to read what you do. I pray God will protect you from all fiery darts of th eenemy as you risk your lives to be a comfort even to our enemies. My heart swell with admiration and love for you all.Blessings.Ester

(5)
KENTLOIS,
February 3, 2014 4:20 PM

KOL- HAKOVOD! BH!

THAT IS THE TORAH WAY! THAT IS THE JEWISH WAY! THAT IS THE WAY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL!

I ONLY PRAY THAT THE RADIO AND TELEVISION STATONS WOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO SHOW THIS! THE TIME HAS COME!BE AMENSH!

(4)
moris,
February 3, 2014 4:28 AM

don't do it

I for one will no longer give money to any Israeli hospital that treats arabs. Arabs have a history of taking medical or other aid from Israel and turning around to harm Israel. There are Jews that could use the medical expertise, drugs and care that is being WASTED. There are hospitals and other charities that will put my donations to better use.

raymond dreyfuss,
May 22, 2014 11:34 PM

dissagree

My feelings, are that Jews in Israel should be helped.But this help is also good for World reconition of Israel, and try to make Arabs understand that we are friends to all, and mayby they will quit drinking the cool aiide, and understand that That they were fed the wrong propaganda !

(3)
Beverly Kurtin,
February 2, 2014 3:50 PM

I'm happy

I'm very happy that Israel is once again proving that we care about other human beings. The work the doctors, nurses, orderlies, and all of the other people who are assisting Syrians is once again proof that we're not just for ourselves.My cardiologist is from Syria; he graduated from a medical school in Damascus. He's the first and only cardiologist that treats his patients as people instead of "the right main artery" in room 345. He treats each of his patients as people. Most of the Syrians I've met here in the United States have been kind people who just want what we all want, a chance to be free and to live a peaceful life.I am so opposed to the current Secretary of State that I can't stand it. He is managing to prevent the U.S. from getting involved in war, although the Republicans in Congress want to go to war. They want war because it is good for the defense industry and I would wager that each and every one of the hawks owns multiple hundreds of shares in those industries.His idea of peace with the Arabs is to give them all they want and to cut Israel's throat. No thanks. What a shame; those peace talks, will once again collapse because of one reason and one reason only:: THE PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT has done what the Nazis did--brought up children from birth to hate Israel and Jews. Even the TV shows that kids watch shove hate into their little heads.Nu? Where's messiah?

Lance Lyons,
February 2, 2014 6:02 PM

" Where's Messiah ? "

You have asked the key question !

You're a brave person because most people: don't want to acknowledge that only The Divine Messiah will bring peace; they want to cling to their material possessions and comforts; and, worst of all, they assume that governments can negotiate peace;

Let us pray daily for Messiah to come and take over ! L

Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 9:48 PM

Question: Are Syrians you know Muslim or Christian?

Beverly, I agree with what you say in your note. Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know if your cardiologist and others Syrians you know here in the U.S. are Christian or Muslim. I think the distinction is important to fully understand the feelings of Syrians in the U.S.

(2)
Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 3:38 PM

whosoever saves a life of one man...

in the Gemara (Bavli) is written who saves the life of a Jew, saves a world (and NOT the world)

However in the Talmud Yerushalmi is written whosoever saves the life of a man, saves a world

(1)
Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 12:43 PM

Sad.

I feel almost too sad to write a comment, for the state of human affairs in Syria.
But, even this too, repairs the world, one patient at a time.
In the heart of each Syrian person saved, they will never be able to look at jews, Israel, people, or the world, again in the same way.
A little healing of the soul occurs too. Tikkun olam.

Melissa,
February 2, 2014 5:55 PM

Thank you, Sad

... for your important reference to a "little healing of the soul" ... which is a little healing for the world, which is a Tikkun olam par excelllence.

Thank you, aish. for printing this information. Many people do not unerstand that supporting the IDF includes a 'doctors w/out borders' medical team.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

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